I am new to the ATV scene. I am going to purchase a vehicle so my son will have something to ride. My wife and a friend stopped at a Polaris dealer.
He had a new 2006 Sportsman 400 HO/300 for sale at what seems to bve a good price for a two year old vehicle...... I have not heard of this brand. Is it good and reliable? What is forum opinion of the Sportsman?
New Rookie

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: New Rookie

I have not heard of this brand.


That is hard to believe. Polaris has been around since 1954. They make ATV's, snowmobiles, PWC's (may be discontinued?), and Victory motorcycles. My point is they have been around a long time and have built a whole lot of different machines. But to answer your question (from a guy that has never owned a Polaris); they are is a very good brand. I would have no problem buying one of their products myself. I have operated several Polaris products, and have found them to be very capable.

 

they didnt make a sportsman 400 in 06' as it would be 450 non HO. and the 300 was called a hawkeye. the hawkeye 300 is (to me) under powered but the new 08' sportsman 400 HO is fine. depends on what kind of riding he wants to do on what you should buy.

 

The '08 Sportsman 400 (Hawkeye Stying) might be better suited for him if he's of smaller stature. If he's already like a full-sized adult, the Sportsman 500 might fit him better.

But if he's just a little guy, then the 06 Hawkeye you're looking at might be the best bet. You should get a price that's below wholesale for this particular bike. The Hawkeye has had a few problems in it's first year mostly, but has been a good bike overall.

As far a this Forum's opinion on the Sportsman, it is the leader of the Polaris line-up. I love both of mine.

 

why polaris.... why fruit of the loom..... why bud-light......... this my friend may just the begining!!!

 

Why Polaris?................HMMMMMMMM..........Is there any others out there??
...............Caper.................

 

lol

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: New Rookie

I am new to the ATV scene. I am going to purchase a vehicle so my son will have something to ride. My wife and a friend stopped at a Polaris dealer.

He had a new 2006 Sportsman 400 HO/300 for sale at what seems to bve a good price for a two year old vehicle...... I have not heard of this brand. Is it good and reliable? What is forum opinion of the Sportsman?

New Rookie</end quote></div>


You never heard of Polaris Atv's?? What have you heard of?
I usually see Polaris 2 to 1 over all the other brands.
Today I counted 3-4 Polaris and a Honda, 3-4 more Polaris then a Suzuki, 3-4 more and ..............
Do some research the newer models have some features you may want regardless of price! Does he need ADC/EBS? how about low range? The Deluxe models are better value than stripped models.
Does he want a 4wd SP utility? or rather a 2wd sport quad?
How old is your son? If he's adult size I'd recomend a 500SP. If smaller a Hawkeye would be good for a couple yrs.
A 500SP top end is around 55 mph.
Why would he have 2006 models left? must be slow sellers for a reason.

 

Find out exactly what he has for sale!!!!!.........It is "NOT" a 2006 Sportsman 400 for sure.....I can tell you that much..............Let us know what he is selling left over from 2006?...........Thanks......Caper...........

 

More info wld be good, if it is just for a 12-15 yr old boy than no reason for the sportsman at all (any size). If this is going to be a fam quad that you will be using on trails or say hunting trips or the alike then go for the sportsman hands down! As for Why polaris I wld say they ride so dam nice! They are easy to opperate, put into gear push gas go, pull one lever to stop, that simple! That is all I got....